Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Tinnitus: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham Controlled Study (P2.283)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in the treatment of tinnitus. BACKGROUND: Tinnitus is a chronic, often disabling condition for which there is no effective therapy. Current research suggests that tinnitus may develop due to maladaptive plastic changes and altered activity in the auditory cortex and prefrontal cortex. Transcranial direct current stimulation modulates brain activity and has been shown to transiently suppress tinnitus in open trials. DESIGN/METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, sham controlled study, the efficacy of cathodal tDCS applied to the auditory cortex with anode over the prefrontal cortex was investigated in five sessions over five consecutive days. Assessment of tinnitus after the last session, and 1 and 3 months later included the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (primary outcome measure), Subjective Tinnitus Severity Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, Visual Analogue Scale, and Clinical Global Impression scale. RESULTS: 42 patients were investigated, 21 received real tDCS and 21 sham stimulation. There were no beneficial effects of tDCS on tinnitus as assessed by the primary and secondary outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated tDCS sessions on the auditory and prefrontal cortex are safe, but do not improve tinnitus. Different tDCS protocols may be beneficial.

Disclosure: Dr. Benninger has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Stephan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Herrmann has nothing to disclose. Dr. Maire has nothing to disclose.